Putnam County approves pursuit of full grant funding to rebuild Rody Road after storm damage

Putnam County commissioners authorized staff to proceed with a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) agreement to reconstruct Rody Road, after public‑works staff reported the county is likely to receive leftover disaster funds that would cover the typical 25% local match and make the project fully grant‑funded.

Public Works Director Larry Stout told the board the application was in the final stages and that the state or federal funding partner had indicated the remaining match could be covered by leftover dollars from a previous disaster fund. With that funding arrangement, the county would not need to commit local tax dollars to the reconstruction.

Commissioners from the district supported moving forward, noting Rody Road was severely damaged during the storm and earlier repairs would have required substantial local funding. Commissioner Palisier described the proposal as a “no‑brainer” when outside funding covers the local share. The board approved the motion to proceed if the funding agreement is received.

What’s next: staff will execute the funding agreement and return any required administrative documents to the board. If the grant agreement arrives as described, Public Works expects to begin procurement and construction plans without using county general‑fund dollars.

Quote: “They moved this from a 75/25 match to 100% for us; proceed and get it done,” a commissioner said after staff described the funding change.